MASERU — The Ministry of Law and Justice, through the has launched the Mokorotlo Collective Mark Project aimed at protecting the authenticity of the national symbol while empowering local artisans to derive greater economic benefits from their craft.
The project, launched at Thaba-Bosiu on Wednesday, is being implemented in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), with support from the Government of Japan, under the theme “Safeguarding Tradition, Empowering Artisans of Lesotho through Intellectual Property.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Law and Justice, Advocate Makhele Sekati said the project seeks to ensure that the Mokorotlo retains its authentic Basotho identity and is made from locally sourced materials.
He said artisans should be recognised as the people responsible for the production of the Mokorotlo so that the economic benefits generated from the product can reach them.
“The Mokorotlo must return to its roots. It must be a product made from Lesotho products, just as it is a product of Basotho,” he said.
Adv.Sekati said the Collective Mark will provide a legal mechanism for artisans to organise collectively, establish standards for authentic Mokorotlo and distinguish genuine products from imitations.
He said the initiative will also help artisans access better prices, strengthen their bargaining power and open opportunities in tourism and export markets.
He noted that the initiative comes at an important time as Lesotho prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence, saying the Mokorotlo represents the country’s heritage while the Collective Mark provides an opportunity to build its economic future.
Adv. Sekati said women make up nearly 80 percent of Mokorotlo artisans, adding that the project will contribute to job creation, youth empowerment and rural development.
Registrar General Mrs. Mamoretlo Mohapi said the launch provides an opportunity to review the findings of a feasibility study, refine product specifications and develop a code of practice that will define an authentic Mokorotlo.
She said the project will also deliberate on the governance structure that will own and manage the Collective Mark and develop a practical roadmap for its implementation.
Mrs. Mohapi said studies showed that more than 70 percent of Mokorotlo producers are women who derive a significant portion of their household income from the craft, while the value chain remains fragmented and awareness of intellectual property is low.
She urged stakeholders, particularly artisans, to participate actively in shaping the project, saying the decisions taken will affect the livelihoods of artisans across the country’s 10 districts.
WIPO representative Mr. Daniul Islam said the organisation is pleased to partner with the Government of Lesotho in making Mokorotlo a protected, authentic and economically valuable cultural brand.
He said the Collective Mark will serve as a shared sign of authenticity, quality and origin, enabling consumers to distinguish genuine Mokorotlo products.
He said the feasibility study found that 89 percent of surveyed artisans had no access to credit, while 80 percent reported increasing difficulty in obtaining suitable grass used in making Mokorotlo.
He therefore stressed that protecting Mokorotlo also means protecting the knowledge, artisans, raw materials and communities that sustain its production.
Meanwhile, Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu Mr. Mojaki Moqalane said Thaba-Bosiu is a fitting venue for the launch because of its historical connection with the Mokorotlo.
Mr .Moqalane said they welcome the initiative and appreciated efforts to ensure that the cultural symbol is protected and its economic value benefits Basotho.
The project also includes a capacity-building workshop for artisans aimed at strengthening their knowledge of intellectual property, quality management, governance, branding and business development.
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